1. Enjoy the fast trains.
This is it, without a doubt. The best thing I could have done before traveling to Italy was buy the train tickets in advance. High-speed rail lines are the key to navigating Italy seamlessly. The greatest piece of advice I could offer you is to reserve your seats ahead of time. Not only do seats sell out rapidly, but prices also begin to rise closer to the date of travel. Because high-speed trains are the quickest (and most efficient) way to travel throughout the country, you should make full use of them.
2. To avoid ticket lines, book your attractions tickets ahead of time.
Lines can get rather thick for ticketing and visiting major attractions (like the Vatican and Colosseum) so buy a "skip the line ticket" ahead of time. It will save you hours of waiting and make your trip as a whole better. For us, it was game-changing, allowing us to fully enjoy the magnificent ancient monuments.
3.The months of July and August are especially hot in Phoenix.
In certain parts of Italy (for example, as seen in the film), the weather is frequently very hot during the summer. Furthermore, it may be cold and snowing in the winter season. The greatest thing to do before booking your trip is to double-check the weather. This will aid you in selecting what to pack and when you want.
4. Don't expect to see it all; there's so much to see. Concentrate on your most essential activities only.
Italy is home to a plethora of lovely cities and activities. It's quite probable that you won't have enough time to see everything. Make a list and conduct research on the top attractions you want to see before your trip. You don't want your trip to be too packed, but neither do you want it to be empty. In my opinion, the Vatican and Colosseum in Rome, Milan's Duomo, Florence's Piazza del Michelangelo, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa are some of the must-see attractions.
5. It's a good idea to wear sneakers that you can walk in all day.
Prepare to navigate cobbled streets and a lot of steps in all of Italy (including at the main attractions). It's important to have comfy shoes on hand, such as sneakers, so you can walk it all without risking blisters.
6. Keep it in its case.
A trip overseas necessitates a somewhat different packing list than a domestic journey. To begin with, bring adapters for your plugs so you may charge your electronics. You should also make sure to leave your hairdryer and other hair tools at home since they could blow the fuse. A refillable water bottle should be included on the list - especially if you can refill it and save money by not buying bottles.
7. When visiting holy sites like the Vatican, dress conservatively.
Certain churches and holy sites have dress codes that you must follow. For example, the Vatican website recommends that both males and females cover their knees and upper arms. Short or knee-length dresses, sleeveless tops, and low-cut shirts are prohibited. Make double sure you pack something that is acceptable according to the regulations of whatever location you plan on visiting.
8. Good morning, good evening, and say please and thank you.
In Italy, people are actually courteous, unlike in New York (where I'm from). You'll hear a lot of 'good morning,' 'Buongiorno,' and 'good evening' while on your trip. Try to commit a few phrases to memory ahead of time so you can communicate with others.
9. Cities are generally quite walkable.
Take advantage of the fact that most Italian cities are quite walkable. Not only will walking allow you to get a true feel for the city, but it'll also give you time to explore and learn your way around. In Venice, because the only two methods of transportation were to walk or take boats, it was wonderful to stroll over all of the bridges and see the stores up close.
10. Get recommendations from your friends and family members.
I chatted to locals in Pisa about Florence. They advised me to go to the Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset, which was one of my favorite experiences in Italy. Speak with locals and inquire about their favorite restaurants and attractions while on your holiday. Their suggestions are likely to be some of your favorites (such as the Piazzale Michelangelo for us)
11. Allow yourself to be lost.
Italy has so much to offer that you may easily get lost and take in the sights. Allow yourself to be lured away and discover everything it has to offer. Leave room in your schedule for simply walking about and exploring Milan, which will undoubtedly be one of your favorite parts of the trip. Accidentally stumbling upon Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Duomo while roaming around Milan was a pleasant surprise for me.
12. Some cities require more time than others.
Some cities (such as Venice and Rome) will require more time than smaller cities (like Pisa, Milan, and Florence). Make your trip to allow you to see more of the cities you're visiting. To be honest, there won't be enough time to see it all, but having extra time in the larger metropolises will make a difference.
13. Be ready to alter your strategy.
When I went to Italy with my family, I intended to spend only one weekend in Florence and a few days in Venice. However, at the last second, I changed my plan and spent less time in Florence and more time in Venice. The decision made a significant difference, and I ended up absolutely loving Venice. Things like this are inevitable when you go on holiday, therefore going with the flow is essential.
